Southern Illinois University
DePaul (Allstate Arena)
Women's Basketball Loses to DePaul, 102-57
12/14/2003 | 12:00:00 | Women's Basketball
Dec. 14, 2003
By Jeff Honza
www.SIUSalukis.com
CHICAGO, Ill.-- DePaul (8-0) outscored Southern Illinois (0-6), 44-9, in points off turnovers en route to a 102-57 victory earlier today at Allstate Arena. Six Blue Demons posted double figures in the win, including Jenni Dant who led the cast with 23 points.
The win marked DePaul's seventh straight against teams from the state of Illinois.
Turnover, steal, layup. Turnover, steal, layup. By the final buzzer, SIU's offense couldn't wait to get off the floor, as it fell victim to a solid all-around effort by the Blue Demons.
DePaul's intense full court pressure took control of the game from the opening tip and never let up. It seemed as if every time a Saluki had the ball, a Blue Demon would knock it loose, and another would pick it up, dribble the length of the floor and score an uncontested deuce. To say the least, DePaul made things look too easy.
While DePaul's defense constantly created havoc for SIU's offense, Dant exploded for 15 points to pace a potent Blue Demon attack which shot a blistering .618 (21-of-34) from the field. DePaul also knocked down 50 percent (5-of-10) of its three-pointers, went on a 27-6 run in the game's first 8:46 and registered 11 steals en route to its commanding 56-26 lead at the break.
In the second half, DePaul's lead grew to as many as 47 points when Jarietta Benton's free throw with 3:37 left gave the Blue Demons a 100-53 advantage. The two teams then traded baskets over the final two minutes before DePaul took the 102-57 win.
For the game, SIU shot just .368 (21-of-57) to DePaul's .537 (36-of-67) from the field. The Blue Demons (22-of-35) also out-shot the Salukis (10-of-12) at the free throw line and held a 40-33 advantage on the boards. Additionally, DePaul registered 21 steals on 27 SIU turnovers.
Dant hit 7-of-10 from the field and 9-of-10 from the free throw line to cap off her impressive outing. Khara Smith followed with 13 points, and Charlene Smith, Ashley Luke and Jenna Rubino each had 12. Claudette Towers also chipped in 11.
SIU was led by Katie Berwanger who posted a double-double 10 points and 13 rebounds. The double-double marked her second this season.
SIU plays at home for the first time on Tuesday, Dec. 16. The Salukis host Southern Mississippi at 7:05 p.m. Southern Miss is currently 7-0 and off to its best start since 1994-95.
